Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1887-04-25
CLOSES HIS PASTORATE.

Rev. Mr. Samson Retires as Pastor
of the Calvary Baptist Church-Hts
Farewell Words.
Rev. T. S. Samson preached his farewell
sermon in the Calvary Baptist church yester-
day morning. The sacrament of baptism
was observed before the sermon. These were
immersed by the pastor. The choir rendered
special music for the occasion. The text was
taken from the epistle to the Philippians,
LIST chapter, 9th verse: "On1y let your con-
versation be as becometh the gospel of Christ,
that whether I come and see you or else be
absent may hear of your affairs, that ye
stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striv-
ing together for the faith of the gospel" He
spoke in brief as follows: About the year
so A. D. Paul was in Philippi and laid the
foundation of Christian church. He was
called elsewhere, but never forgot that
church; in view of separation from it he
wrote these words. They imply that there
is life becoming the gospel of Christ. Paul
gives the characteristics of the gospel life.
First they must further it; the true is op-
posed to the false must be upheld. Chris
tianity is adapted to all mankind; all the
systems of men fade when compared with the
Bible of Christianity. AS the stars are lost
in the light of the sun so human PHILOSOPHERS
Paul taught that the gospel is a
system to be believed, understood
and practically expressed in the life. Three
quarters of the human race are ignorant of it;
to enlighten and Christianize these is the
work of the church. Three-quarters of those
who have heard it have not embraced it; to
attain this we must strive together for it.
This idea was in Pauls mind here. With
some at least of the spirit of the apostle
speak these words here as my last words to
you.
The words also imply union of effort
This is duty of the local church member
ship. There are many who are of the church
and yet are not in it. Without this union
souls cannot be fed and nourished. Chris
tian union is not external, but internal A
river in its strength is made up of single
drops of water. To attain the gospel life we
must strive together for it. So long as you
live in peace the God of peace will be with
you.
There must also be constancy and perse-
verance. Paul's words are to stand fast in
union of mind and heart; to stand fast in the
striving. Preachers are men and they claim
the love and constancy of their flock. For
all Christ is the only object of worship.
would make these last words of the apostle
mine. We come and go, we meet and pass,
and though we are parted in the flesh we
may not be in the spirit. In speaking of his
work with the church Mr.. Samson said that
he had made mistakes. These all men are
liable to make. Let them be covered with the
mantle of charity. His desire and aim had
always been to do his work the best, as
God had given him grace to do it. The pas
tor prayed fervently for Gods blessing
to rest upon the church to which he has min
is tered for SO long, that he weuld give it
more of prosperity even than it has had.
While he was speaking now and then a
smothered sobbing could be heard in differ
emit parts of the church. In Mr.. Samson
Calvary church has always found sincere,
cordial pastor, an effective preacher and a
firm friend Though he preached the fare
well sermon in the morning he occupied the
pulpit in the evening.
Mr.. Samson will spend several weeks at
cottage at Savin Rock for rest and recupera-
ton before engaging again in the active work
of the ministry in a new field.